6. Components

It is the part of Open edX that students interact with. It displays content and runs quizzes and interactive apps. The LMS provides user registration, progress tracking, grading, and forums. Data storage: courses are saved in MongoDB and student data in MySQL.

The types of exercises that instructors can create are virtually limitless. Aside from the multiple-choice, text or equation input types, Open edX integrates LTI components, customized Javascript as well as tools such as Google Instant Hangout and even a Molecule Editor.

Note that if you wish to use Hangouts you may need to ask Google for permission and to whitelabel your website. You can do so through Google’s developer site by accessing the “Instant Google hangouts” feature.

XBlocksA course is made of XBlock learning components, which can be created by third parties to extend Open edX’s functionality.

Other optional components of Open edX are:

XQueue ServiceDefines an interface for the LMS to communicate with external checker services. For example, when a student submits a problem in the LMS, it is sent to XQueue in order for it to be processed.

XServerXServer accepts student code submissions from the LMS and runs the code using courseware graders.

This is the analytics software designed to deliver data using visualizations, key metrics and tables, in order to learn who your students are and what they do while they interact with your course. It provides data pertaining to student enrollment activity, geographic location and engagement with course content.

This diagram below displays Open edX’s components. Please click on the picture to enlarge it.

Every day we see more functionalities being added to the Open edX software. The features listed above are just the beginning. To learn about the product roadmap ahead, check the official page as well the new Open edX community portal.